If you want to add a new bathroom or kitchen, update your floor plan, or knock down walls, a home remodeling contractor can help. But not all contractors are created equal.
To avoid getting ripped off, get several proposals and bids. Carefully evaluate each one. Ask for references. Watch out for smiley-faced price gougers.
Experience
Home remodeling is a complex task that requires specialized knowledge and skills. For example, a general contractor has broad knowledge of construction but a remodelling contractor may have a more specific set of skills. The more specific the skill level, the better a contractor is at achieving the client’s vision for their project.
During your selection process, ask how many years of contracting experience the company has and what type of projects they’ve done. An experienced company should have a portfolio of past projects that demonstrate their skills and quality of work.
It’s also important to determine how many other projects the company has going at any given time. If a contractor is juggling too many projects, it could impact the timeline for your home remodel and end up costing you more money. Ask about their estimated start and finish dates for the project to avoid any surprises. You can also opt to enter into a times and materials contract, which gives the contractor flexibility with scheduling.
Insurance
When hiring a home renovation contractor, make sure they have the appropriate insurance coverage. For example, they should have general liability, which covers third-party accidents like a customer tripping over tools and falling down the stairs. Workers’ compensation is also a must, as it pays for medical costs and lost wages if an employee is injured on the job.
A good remodeler should also have commercial property insurance, which protects their building materials and equipment in case they are stolen or damaged on the job site. They should also have business interruption insurance, which covers any expenses incurred while working on a project that is delayed because of an unforeseeable event.
Finally, it is important for a home remodeling contractor to have umbrella insurance, which covers gaps in coverage. Many home improvement contractors use subcontractors for a large portion of their work, and it’s important that they have workers’ comp and commercial property insurance. This will help them get more jobs and keep their customers happy.
Licenses
Home remodeling contractors are often licensed by their state governments to work on homes. They may also have special licenses to handle certain types of jobs. You can find out more by asking friends and family about who they have worked with or checking online reviews. You should also check the contractor’s website to make sure they have current insurance and license documentation, as well as a portfolio of past projects.
Many states have licensing requirements for home improvement contractors, including experience and education. In New York, for example, contractors must have a basic business license and get their fingerprints documented. They should also have a valid construction permit.
General contractors are adept at managing large-scale construction and renovation projects, and they will usually manage a team of subcontractors to carry out the specialized aspects of each job. Remodelers, on the other hand, focus on detailed work like installing new kitchen cabinets or repairing damaged walls and floors.
Reviews
Home improvement projects often increase a property’s value. They also help pay off a home loan and may be tax deductible (if completed for a primary residence, not a rental). For example, replacing outdated energy-efficient appliances or removing old siding can lower utility bills, while new kitchen cabinets and countertops attract buyers who want an easy-to-clean, modern look.
Before selecting a contractor, get several bids. As Checkbook’s undercover shoppers discovered, the quality of a remodel can vary greatly. Ask each contractor for detailed pricing, a timeline and a contract that spells out everything from payment terms and deadlines to what’s included and warranties.
Discuss your project with each contractor to determine if it’s possible within your budget. An experienced contractor will know what add-ons to avoid and may have ideas for ways you can cut costs by using less expensive materials or buying items yourself. A good contractor will also be on-site regularly to inspect the work and resolve any problems.